As wintry weather conditions become more prevalent, the Washoe County School District (WCSD) is reminding students, families and the community about inclement weather procedures designed to keep students and staff members out of harm’s way.
“We need to ensure members of our community have the information they need to stay safe and keep our students safe,” said WCSD Director of Transportation Scott Lee. “It is important for families to review our procedures and processes before inclement weather becomes a near-daily occurrence, especially when it can be so unpredictable during the winter months. We appreciate everyone’s help and support.”
When weather and road conditions are hazardous, the district may delay the start of school by two hours or cancel classes altogether. Schools in Incline Village are impacted more frequently and more extensively than schools in the Truckee Meadows as mountain communities receive more snow and experience lower temperatures.
District staff begin monitoring and measuring road conditions and temperatures between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. and consult with the National Weather Service and other partners before making decisions about delays and closures.
As in years past, information about two-hour school delays and cancellation of classes due to inclement weather will be conveyed to families in a variety of ways:
• Families will receive phone calls, text messages, and emails via the District’s Connect Ed call system. Families need to ensure their contact information is accurate and should call their child’s school to provide updated information if needed.
• The WCSD website (www.washoeschools.net) will prominently display the information.
• The Parent Hotline for Incline Village families (775-337-7509) will reflect the most updated information for schools in Incline Village.
• Local news media will be alerted with the most current details and will convey information on their websites and broadcasts.
“The safety and security of our students and staff remains the highest priority of our district,” said WCSD School Police Chief Jason Trevino. “Students will be walking to school on snowy days, and if sidewalks are not cleared, they may be walking in the street. Drivers need to slow down and be aware of alternate schedules, because students may be out at different times than usual as they make their way to school. Students will be waiting at bus hubs early in the morning before it is light outside, so we urge parents to choose bright, warm and reflective clothing for them to wear. Pay attention to information about delays and cancellations and remind your children about how they can stay safe on their way to and from school.”
WCSD uses winter bus stops in inclement weather. These stops are located near the usual bus stops, but in areas that are safer when road conditions are more challenging. A complete list of winter bus stops is available here. For more information about WCSD winter weather transportation procedures, please click here.
WCSD is recruiting and training new bus drivers as the district continues to experience a shortage of transportation employees. Students now gather in larger groups at “bus hubs” throughout the district to reduce the number of stops each driver needs to make in the mornings and afternoons. For information about employment in the Transportation Department, please click here.
WCSD is also working with the Education Alliance of Washoe County and the Big Reno Coat Drive to gather donated coats. Last year, more than 2,700 coats were distributed to children who did not have adequate winter clothing, and the group has set a goal of 3,000 coat donations for 2022. For information about drop-off locations for donations, please visit www.bigrenocoatdrive.org.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up